Soneva Secret is a luxurious Maldivian 'micro resort' home to the archipelago's first floating villa and 'barefoot guardians' that cater to guests' every whim. Olivia Palamountain reports

Ultra-luxe "micro resort" Soneva Secret comprises just 14 accommodations, including unique lagoon "Crusoe Villas" accessible only by boat.

The ultra-boutique property marks a significant departure from typical Maldivian resorts, with each villa assigned its own private chef and two dedicated staff members: a "Barefoot Guardian" and an assistant to curate personalised experiences.

Among its architectural innovations, the resort features master suites with retractable roofs for stargazing.

The property also houses an adventurous dining venue called "Out of This World" - a combination of restaurant, observatory and wine cellar built in the lagoon and accessed via zip line, alongside a "toes-in-the-sand firepit dining experience" at So Primitive.

The Living Room is the island hub and casual dining and lounge venue, home to a library, boutique and Soneva’s renowned ice cream, chocolate and cheese and charcuterie rooms.

The resort, which has been three decades in planning, sits in one of the Maldives' most isolated atolls. Despite its remote location, it is accessible via a 75-minute seaplane flight from Malé International Airport or through direct flights to Kulhudhuffushi Airport followed by a speedboat transfer.

Marine life in the surrounding waters includes manta rays, dolphins and whale sharks, while the location offers particularly clear views of the Milky Way due to minimal light pollution, which can be navigated with the resident astronomer.

Family experiences encompass the likes of picnics on castaway shores, sunset dolphin cruises and guided snorkelling with the experienced in-house marine biologist.

Rates at Soneva Secret start from US$3,140 per night for either beach or ocean villas during the low season from late April to mid-October.

The development adds to Soneva's portfolio of sustainable luxury resorts in the Maldives and Thailand. The group, which has been carbon neutral since 2012, adds a 2% environmental levy to all stays to fund carbon offsetting and environmental projects through its foundation.